South America in Style
23 Days - Departs - Weekly
On this trip we encompass the highlights of the southern half of South America whilst staying in some of the world’s finest hotels. We begin the trip in Santiago and explore the city and its spectacular surroundings including the Bohemian town of Valparaiso and some fantastic wineries. We then embrace Chile’s spectacular highlights including the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine before taking a luxury cruise through the Chilean Fjords into Tierra del Fuego. We complete this trip of a lifetime with visits to magnificent Iguazu Falls and South America’s best cities, Buenos Aires and Rio.
Home » South America in Style: Chile, Argentina & Brazil
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit some of the world’s most scenic destinations including the Atacama Desert, Torres del National Park and Iguazu Falls.
- Cruise through the spectacular Chilean Fjords and pass Cape Horn, at the southern tip of South America.
- Stay in luxury accommodation throughout your trip and receive free room upgrades and additional inclusions on your Australis Cruise and hotel stays in Patagonia. Subject to availability at time of booking.
- Explore South America’s most cosmopolitan and interesting cities on private tours with the most professional guides who will provide you with unique insights into these destinations.
- As with all our tours you have the option to personalise this trip to your requirements.
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Extend your time in the Lakes District and enjoy the range of adventure activities and optional tours on offer.
- Relax in the sun at the end of your trip at some of Brazil's best beaches in Ilha Grande & Paraty.
- Experience the wonders of Chile’s north with a visit to the spectacular Atacama desert.
- Venture south to Patagonia to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park.
- Cross the border into Argentina to Visit the best of South America’s glaciers, the spectacular Perito Moreno.
Arrive in Santiago
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Chile's capital city is surrounded by an extraordinary set of snow-capped Andean mountains to the east and a smaller coastal range to the west. It is truly a beautiful sight. The city offers one of Latin America's most cosmopolitan, vibrant and artistic city centres so your stay here is sure to be an exciting one.
Exclusive Santiago Tour
Let us introduce you to the classic city we know and love on this 6 hour tour exploring the city's most popular sights along with some of our personal favourites. Chile´s rich cultural heritage comes to life as we visit the iconic symbols of the city, including La Plaza de Armas (the main square), La Moneda (the government palace), the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the spectacular Cerro Santa Lucia, where the city was founded in 1541.
We continue to the bohemian area of Bellavista and climb the San Cristobal hill for a panoramic view of Santiago with the Andes Mountains in the background. We'll also visit the Orient Sector, the most modern area of the city, with its impressive high rise buildings and classy boulevards before we offer you a choice of the activities designed to enhance your Santiago experience.
You'll be given the option (you can decide on the day) to visit the picturesque Los Dominicos craft market where we can walk through the artisan village and enjoy a tasty empanada at one of the outdoor cafés, discover Santiago's impressive pre-Columbian museum, explore the historic Lastarria Neighbourhood or take a walking tour through the Mercado Central, Chile's largest fresh seafood market where you can try some of the local cuisine on offer. If you'd like to visit all these places then just let us know in advance and we can extend your tour to do this.
On completion of the tour you'll be returned back to your hotel and have free time to further explore the city at your leisure.
* As an alternative to this traditional city tour, we can also offer the city tour as a walking or bike riding tour. Let us know if you'd like more details on these options.
Breakfast included.
Winery Tour and Valparaiso
Today we pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Valparaiso where you will spend the evening. On our way we pass through the central wine producing valley of Casablanca with its famous orchards, citrus groves, grape plantations and wonderful mountain backdrops. We stop along the way for some wine tasting before enjoying a fine dining experience at one of the many boutique wineries that are part of this flourishing region. We include a winery visit along the way and after lunch continue to Valparaiso on the Pacific coast.
‘Valpo', as it is fondly known by locals, was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, and it is not difficult to see why. Picturesque architecture and multi-coloured urban housing spread out over more than forty hills, creating one of world's most eclectic, unique cities. Narrow, winding streets line the hills, connected by hidden staircases and antique gondolas still in use.
This evening is at your leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch included.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Transfer to Santiago Airport
Our representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Santiago Airport.
Alto Atacama
The Alto Atacama hotel is located just outside of San Pedro de Atacama and sits surrounded by the Cordillera de la Sal (salt mountain range). Its close proximity to the pre-Columbian ruins of Quitor makes it one of the most magnificent settings in the world and its location and quality of hospitality have given National Geographic reason to vote it the “Best Hotel in Chile”. Your stay here will include all meals, drinks and top quality excursions to explore some of northern Chile's most spectacular scenery.
Day 1: Arrive at Alto Atacama
Upon arrival at Calama airport you will be met by an Alto Atacama representative who will transfer you to their spectacular property. Depending on your arrival time, you may take an excursion or relax and enjoy your desert oasis.
Dinner included.
Days 2-3: Activities
Alto Atacama offer a wide range of excursions available that can be as physical or relaxing as you like. Some of the excursions include:
- Cultural visits to local Andean villages
- Contemplative excursions allowing a deep immersion in to the diverse topography, nature and culture of Atacama
- Astronomical excursions, including a Full Moon Walk and Observatory Experience
- Adventure excursions including walking and biking options
- Volcano tours, including Toco Volcano, Soquete Volcano and Licancabur Volcano.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4: Depart
At the scheduled time today Alto staff will transfer you back to Calama airport in time to catch your flight
Breakfast included.
Singular Patagonia
The Singular Patagonia is a five-star luxury hotel set against the impressive backdrop of the Patagonian fjords. With all your excursions included you will explore breathtaking landscapes with friendly, experienced and knowledgeable guides who will lead the way to allow you to get a closer look at this amazing region including the nearby Torres del Paine National Park. With its gourmet restaurant and world-class spa you can rest assured this is one of the premier luxury hotels in South America.
Transfers:
* Round trip transfer to/from Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ). Shared service and reservation required. Transfer operates between 08AM to 08:30PM.
* Round trip transfer to/from El Calafate Hotel. Transfer departs from The Singular or El Calafate Hotel at 8:30AM. Included from 4 nights.
* Transfers to Puerto Natales (Airport or Rodoviario). Transfer operates between 08AM to 08:30PM.
Day 1
Arrive in Punta Arenas where you will be met by our representative from The Singular Patagonia. You will be driven in the hotel’s luxury van to Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. The two and a half hour drive will take you along wide open pampas and fjords, through lenga forests and local estancias, whilst spotting Patagonian wildlife such as the guanaco or ñandu. Depending on your arrival time you will be served lunch and offered the option of a half day tour in the afternoon. Alternatively take a few hours to relax.
In the evening there will be a briefing with your gude who will help you plan your activities during your stay. These can be as active or as relaxed as you would like and include walking, hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, kayaking or touring in the hotel’s vans.
Dinner included.
Days 2-3
Massive blue-tinged icebergs. Broad, windswept pampas. Cerulean waters set against tawny grasses, white-capped peaks rising up into blue-gray skies. Patagonia is a land apart: one of the last great wildernesses, alluringly untamed and dazzlingly pristine. Exploring its breathtaking landscapes is one of the true pleasures of a Patagonia trip, and no one allows you to experience it like The Singular.
With our friendly, experienced and knowledgeable guides leading the way, get an in-depth, insider look at authentic Patagonia. There are over 20 different Patagonia excursions available—meaning there is something for everyone from the thrill-seeker to the armchair naturalist.
If you are looking for a more leisurely day, join us as we navigate through meandering, mountain-fringed fjords, wander through wetlands on a bird-watching trek or discover Puerto Natales, the historic pioneer town. For a slightly more invigorating experience, explore caverns where the prehistoric milodon once lived or feel the wind on your face as you travel along the banks of Laguna Sofia on horseback or mountain bike. Or, for an even more exhilarating challenge, kayak through the Last Hope Sound, or set off on a full-day trek to Torres del Paine National Park. Taking in jaw-dropping Patagonian panoramas in this world-famous park—including lakes, waterfalls and the iconic Cuernos del Paine—is must-have experience in southern Chile.
No matter your mood or sense of adventure, options for discovery abound. Quite simply, there is no better way to experience authentic Patagonia than with The Singular.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4
After breakfast this morning you will be driven by The Singular back to Punta Arenas where you will be dropped off either at the airport, your hotel or the port. There is also the option to be transferred across the Argentine border to El Calafate.
Breakfast included.
Transfer to Punta Arenas
At the scheduled time you will catch the bus from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas.
Stella Australis: Fjords of Tierra del Fuego
We invite you to enjoy a unique experience on the Stella Australis with expeditions by land and sea next to the fascinating landscape that Patagonia and Cape Horn offers. Immerse yourself in the magical scenery filled with turquoise glacial lakes, green hillsides and ice-capped mountains. This is an adventurer's paradise which really does have to be seen to be believed.
Day 1: Punta Arenas
Check in at 1398 Costanera del Estrecho Ave. (Arturo Prat Port) in Punta Arenas between 13:00 and 17:00 (1-5 PM) on the day of your Australis cruise departure. Board the vessel at 6 PM. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of planet Earth. During the night we cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonian. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as we enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego
Dinner included.
Day 2: Ainsworth Bay - Tuckers Islets
By dawn the ship is sailing up Admiralty Sound (Seno Almirantazgo), a spectacular offshoot of the Strait of Magellan that stretches nearly halfway across Tierra del Fuego. The snowcapped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park stretch along the north side of the sound, while the south shore is defined by the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. We go ashore at Ainsworth Bay, which harbors copious bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals which can sometimes be spotted from the Zodiacs. Two guided excursions are available: one is along the edge of a stream, peat bog and beaver habitat to a waterfall-and-moss-covered rock face tucked deep inside a pristine sub-polar forest; the other is a more strenuous hike along the crest of a glacial moraine. Both afford views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains.
Leaving our Ainsworth Bay tour behind, we sail west along the sound to the Tucker Islets. After lunch, we board the Zodiacs again for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins that inhabit the tiny islands. More than 4,000 penguins use Tucker as a place to nest, give birth and nurture their chicks. Many other bird species also frequent the area including king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. In September and April -- when the penguins live elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3: Pia Glacier - Glacier Alley
Overnight we sail around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, the Australis cruise tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a Pia Glacier tour. After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.
No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king.
Back onboard the ship, we continue east along the Beagle Channel through an area called Glacier Alley. Living up to its name, the passage features a number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them named after European countries -- Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4: Cape Horm - Wulaia Bay
During the morning we cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument.
In the afternoon we navigate the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands and drop anchor at historic Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum – letters or postcards meant to be hand delivered by future travelers – an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 5: Ushuaia
The following morning we sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Arrival at 08:30 a.m. and 9:30 am according to date of departure.
Breakfast included.
Arrive in Ushuaia
Upon disembarkation you will be met at the port by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Tierra del Fuego National Park Tour
Leaving Ushuaia city Southwest, we will travel through national route number 3, towards Tierra del Fuego's National Park.
Along the eleven kilometres that separate the entrance of the Park and the city of Ushuaia, we will make a stop near the Centro Hípico (Riding Club), where we will enjoy some excellent panoramic views of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia`s Peninsula and Bridges`, Willie's and Les Eclauriers' Islands. After crossing River Pipo's bridge, next to Ushuaia's Golf Club, we will arrive at the End of the World Station. Those passengers that would like to board the End of the World train will be able to take that optional tour. The rest of the group will await them at the end of the train trip.
We continue our drive for 2 more kilometres and enter the National Park, an area reserved to protect the Subantartic Forest and its native flora and fauna. From this spot we will be able to take a glimpse of both Redonda and Estorbo Islands. Through a path surrounded by Lenga forests and peats, we will reach Lake Roca, a glaciar lake, with a surface of 5.50 square kilometres, and framed by mountains and forests, where we can likely be able to see different native birds. We will have around 30 minutes time to be at the services area.
The last part of the excursion leads us to Lapataia Bay. Along the way we will cross Cormorants Islands, get to see other peats and also visit a beaver dam. Once in Lapataia Bay, besides the marine coast, rich in molluscs and mussels, we will find traces of the ancient native settlers that used to live in the region. We will have some time to walk through the footbridge, from which we will be able to take photographs and enjoy the feeling of being at the end of the world. From this spot, the end of National Route number 3, we will begin our journey back to the city of Ushuaia.
Duration: 4.5 hrs.
Breakfast included.
Depart Ushuaia
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Arrive in Buenos Aires
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Buenos Aires, capital of the Republic of Argentina and the country's largest city, is undeniably one of Latin America's hottest destinations. Located on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, the city's combination of European architecture and the passion of its people – the porteños (people of the port) – work together to create a colourful and dynamic modern city.
Dinner & Tango Show
A cabaret created to bring back nostalgia of passed times. This new show is full of fantasy and sensuality. The proposed dinner-show takes place in a well-intimate representing a cabaret in Buenos Aires from 1900, with limited capacity.
Breakfast included.
Premium City Tour
After breakfast at your hotel this morning you will be met by your guide. This tour will introduce you to all the magic of the Argentine capital. Discover what makes this magnificent city so great and experience its rich heritage as you visit the following important sites: the beautiful parks and buildings of the Palermo neighbourhood, the imposing Colon Theatre, widely regarded as one of the world's most important opera houses. Architectural highlights will include the Palace of Justice, the National Congress, the Cabildo (old town hall) and the Casa Rosada (the ‘Pink House', or Government House), Old San Telmo, residence of the Porteño aristocracy until the turn of the century, the colours of La Boca, the picturesque Italian quarter and the newly restored Puerto Madero area.
You will return to your hotel in time for lunch with the afternoon at your leisure. Why not take to the streets in search of some of Buenos Aires' fabulous shopping or explore the city's many great museums, bars and restaurants.
If you would like something different to do, we also offer city excursions on foot or by bike. Let us know if you would like some more information on these options.
Breakfast included.
Day at Leisure
Today you are at your leisure to enjoy Buenos Aires' excellent shopping, fantastic cafés and restaurants or maybe you would like to take a tour up the Tigre Delta or to Colonia, Uruguay. Please speak with your consultant to organise tours or activities for this day.
Breakfast included.
Depart Buenos Aires
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Transfer to Argentinean Falls
On arrival at Puerto Iguassu airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Argentinean side of the falls.
Argentine Falls Tour & Transfer to Hotel
From the entrance, a small train will take you on a tour of the park. On the first of two stops, you'll follow pathways to the top of the Cataratas (“The Falls”) where you'll find a spectacular view of the falls and their surrounding scenery, including an abundance of orchids, colourful birds and other native wildlife. The second stop occurs at La Garganta del Diablo (“The Devil's Throat”), the largest fall in the park and also the highlight of the tour. A suspended platform at the brink of the fall allows for a startlingly close view of this breathtaking natural wonder.
On completion of your tour we transfer you to your hotel.
Breakfast included.
Brazilian Falls Visit from Das Cataratas
Today you will visit the panoramic Brazilian side of the falls which are easily accessed from your hotel. You may simply wander down and connect with the path opposite to the falls, until reaching the Devils Throat section. Along the way you'll watch as 14 separate waterfalls drop with such force that a tall cloud of mist stays permanently suspended overhead. Great photo opportunities abound, however, raincoats are highly advisable!
Breakfast included.
Depart
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight
Fly to Rio de Janeiro
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Golden beaches and lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife and spectacular football matches, Rio is sure to be one of the highlights of your South American adventure. This evening you are at your leisure. We recommend trying a local churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) for dinner.
Breakfast included.
Corcovado tour & Santa Teresa
Leave the hotel in the direction of the Cosme Velho neighborhood to board the train, which will take us up the beautiful mountainside before arriving at the feet of Christ the Redeemer, one of the seven "New Wonders of the World," located 2,300ft above sea level. There will be available time here to enjoy the most famous panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, also known as the "Marvelous City."
From here, drive to the tram station to embark on a tour through Santa Teresa, a traditional neighborhood located high up on the city's hills, overlooking downtown and Guanabara Bay. Home to several Twentieth-century mansions, cultural houses, galleries, and gourmet restaurants, Santa Teresa's charming cobbled streets are also a haven for local artists and intellectuals.
Next, stop by Ruins Park ('Parque das Ruínas') to enjoy a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro. Afterward, the Chácara do Céu Museum has a fascinating Brazilian and European art collection, highlighting Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, Matisse, and Modigliani.
The tour continues to Selaron staircase and Largo do Guimarães, considered the heart of the neighbourhood, with several bars and restaurants. After this tour, guests will certainly feel as though they know a little more about the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro.
Duration: approximately 6 hours.
Days of operation of Museums and Parks:
- Chacara do Ceu Museum from Wednesdays to Mondays, between 12 pm and 5 pm. Closed on Jan 01st, Dec 25th, and 31st.
- Ruins Park from Tuesdays to Sundays, between 9 am and 6 pm.
Breakfast included.
Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain
Over a million tourists every year visit the world famous Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated, refined sugarloaf. A cable car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its islands. From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable car to the top of Sugarloaf, which rises 395 metres above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the entire city, including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado and downtown Rio.
Breakfast included.
Depart Rio
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Breakfast included.
Luxury
Santiago, Chile - Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel
Valparaiso, Chile - Hotel Casa Higueras
Atacama, Chile - Alto Atacama
Puerto Natales, Chile - The Singular Patagonia Hotel
Patagonia, Chile - M/V Stella Australis
Ushuaia, Argentina - Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Hub Porteno
Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil - Das Cataratas
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Belmond Copacabana Palace
Whats included?
- Luxury accommodation with private facilities
- Hotel taxes
- Private touring with English speaking guides (except at Singular, Alto Atacama and on Cruceros Australis when it is in small groups)
- Private transfers
- Internal airfares
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- International airfares
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Any items not mentioned as included